12 July 2024, Marrakesh, Morocco – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) concluded the II edition of the Marrakesh Economic Parliamentary Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions, generously hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco in Marrakesh.
The second day of the forum started with the 3rd Session focusing on “Entrepreneurship in a Digital World and the Challenge of AI.” This session was chaired by Hon. Pedro Roque, PAM Vice President and President of PAM’s 3rd Standing Committee, who underscored PAM’s engagement on these issues and its continuous cooperation with stakeholders and international organizations, and notably with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED).
Ms. Ana da Motta, Senior Manager Digital Policy & AI, Public Policy Europe, Middle East, and Africa, of Amazon Web Services (AWS), discussed the transformative impact of AI not only in entrepreneurship, but also in healthcare and agriculture. She also highlighted AWS’ initiatives to support digital startups through cloud technology and AI integration. Mr. Coffi Agossou, Deputy Regional Director, ILO Regional Office for Africa, addressed the challenges and opportunities of AI in the African labor market, emphasizing ILO’s role in promoting inclusive policies that balance technological advancement with job creation.
Insightful addresses were also delivered by Mr. Mohamed El Kandri, Co-founder of IR4LAB and member of the office of the CGEM Tech Ecosystem Commission, who shared insights on how AI and blockchain technologies can drive innovation and efficiency in businesses, stressing the importance of fostering a tech-savvy entrepreneurial ecosystem. Moreover, Prof. Antonio Stango, Adjunct Professor of International Organizations and Human Rights at Rome Link University, focused on the ties between AI and human rights.
A lively debate and discussions followed the panel, in particular connected to the scheduled activities of PAM/CGS report on Malicious use of AI being finalized as well as the special PAM parliamentary events that will be operational in the coming month to support the UN summit of the future.
The day continued with the final session on “Innovating Networks as the Key to Prosperity”, moderated by Sen. Mohamed Farid (Egypt). Sen. Farid, member of the Senate of Egypt, was also the first speaker of the panel, delivering a presentation centered on the case study “The case of intellectual property registration in Egypt”. He delineated the impact of streamlined processes on economic prosperity. Afterwards, Mr. Alberto Mina, External Relations Director of Arexpo, highlighted Arexpo’s projects in creating innovative urban spaces that attract businesses and foster collaborative networks.
Setoral presentations were delivered by Ms. Chaibia Balbizioui Alaoui, Vice President of the Entrepreneurship and SMEs Commission at CGEM and CEO of BCSS Industrie, who emphasized the role of SMEs in economic development and shared strategies from CGEM on how to support entrepreneurship and facilitate network building. Prof. Gianfranco Vento, Full Professor of Banking and Finance, analyzed the financial aspects of network innovation, focusing on the role of banking and finance in supporting interconnected business ecosystems. Prof. Patrizio Bianchi, President of the Italian UNESCO Chair, intervened with a video-message.
Delegates received a briefing on the outcome of the Extended Advisory Board of the PAM Women Parliamentary Forum, whose meetings ran in parallel with the Economic Forum, in preparation of its 2nd Session, which will be held in Paris next December. The Session also witnesses the signature of the Cooperation Agreement between PAM WPF and the Parliamentary Network of Women Parliamentarians in Africa and the Arab World. Concluding remarks by the PAM Presidency reaffirmed the Assembly’s dedication to advancing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions.
The Marrakesh Economic Parliamentary Forum successfully highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and digital transformation in driving economic growth and fostering sustainable development across the regions. //